To the Editor:

Re: “Future Turkish Classes Available Only on Video,” News, April 15.

In these challenging economic times, difficult decisions must be made to streamline and cut costs wherever possible. In making these decisions, however, it is crucial that policies to put Cornell in a stronger position in the short term are not to the detriment of the long-term interests of the University and its students. The campus recently learned of the Dutch, Swedish and ESL language programs being terminated entirely and Turkish being curtailed. This will serve a severe blow to the long-term interests of the University, but most importantly, its graduates.

As globalization continues apace, with countries and cultures becoming increasingly intertwined, it is essential that Cornell graduates be prepared to tackle the international issues that will inevitably arise. So far, Cornellians have had an advantage over students at almost any other U.S. university thanks to the breadth of our language offerings. With the proposed cuts to language programs, we will lose this advantage.

The language lecturers do not just teach their respective languages to students enrolled in their classes. They also provide a vital service to the Cornell community by serving as faculty advisors to international student organizations, and by providing individual language assistance to anyone whose research brings them in contact with one of these less-commonly taught languages. Elimination of these programs will therefore deeply affect many in the Cornell community and, we fear, make Cornell a less attractive option for prospective students.

Barbaros Aslan grad, president, Turkish Association

Dave Corney grad, president, European Club

Mary Godec ’11, president, Dutch Club

Cecilia de Lencquesaing ’11, president, French Society

Sara Larsson grad, president, Scandinavian Club

Melissa Perri ’10, co-president, Italian-American Organization

Arina Rotaru grad, president, German Circle

Thalyana Smith-Vikos ’09, president, Hellenic Students Association